China’s Ning Zetao Rockets To Another Win in East Asian Games

TIANJIN, China, October 13. CHINA’s Ning Zetao continued to shine with his sterling speed at the East Asian Games on the penultimate day of competition.

In the men’s 100-meter free, Ning blazed a 48.41 for the win. That swim was just outside his Asian record of 48.27 from earlier this summer. Japan’s Katsumi Nakamura touched second in 49.23, while China’s Lu Xhiwu snared third in 49.67. Ning then split a 47.31 anchor in the men’s 400-meter medley relay as China fell to Japan in the final race of the night.

Japan’s Koichiro Okazaki dominated the men’s 50-meter breaststroke event, just .21 off the Asian record in the event, with a 27.51 for the win. That time is just outside the top 10 in the World this year, and shows signs that Japan is ready to find someone to replace Kosuke Kitajima as its top breaststroker. Ryota Nomura finished second for Japan with a 28.02, while China’s Gu Biaorong took third in 28.05.

China’s Fu Yuanhui continued her strong meet thus far with a 1:00.76 to win the women’s 100-meter backstroke. She already won the 50 earlier in the meet, and topped tonight’s contest by nearly a second. She turned third with a 29.93, but powered home with a 30.83 for the win. Teammate Zhou Yanxin finished second in 1:01.70, while Japan’s Emi Moronuki raced to third in 1:01.98.

China went 1-2 in the men’s 100-meter back with an exciting finish. Xu Jiayu touched out teammate Cheng Feiyi, 53.90 to 53.92, in what provide to be a fun close to an enjoyable race. Cheng had turned first 26.13 to 26.15, but Xu have a bit more in the tank on the way home 27.75 to 27.79. Japan’s Yuki Shirai picked up third in 54.18.

China’s Xu Danlu took home the distance freestyle event for the day with an 8:35.54 to win the women’s 800-meter free. Compatriot Pang Minxian touched second in 8:35.70, while Japan’s Asami Chida wound up third in 8:41.64.